Several priceless members of the Memorial Hospital team will be sorely missed as they move on to retirement and new adventures.

We will miss Dr. Larry Walker, a favorite surgeon for almost 44 years. Dr. Walker is looking forward to time with his wife, Diana, their kids and grandkids. He plans to travel, fish, hunt and garden, and we wish him many happy years with these endeavors. Nacogdoches Memorial Health commemorated the event by dedicating the Walker Surgery Center in his honor and the surgery crew hosted a special party to tell him privately how much he would be missed.

Julie Wright, laboratory manager, has been part of the Memorial team for 31 years, and in typical Julie fashion, chose a cozy potluck lunch with her lab crew, instead of a hospital-wide celebration. Now she plans to indulge her home improvement hobby and spend time with family.

Paula Cook, dietary director for 23 years, will also say goodbye today. She will be leaving the state for a new opportunity near Pineville, LA. Several directors gathered for an impromptu cupcake party for Paula on Thursday.